Communication Manager

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an international, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops and delivers new treatments for neglected diseases affecting millions of the world's poorest people.
Together with more than 200 public research and industry allies worldwide, we use the power of partnership, innovation, open science, and advocacy to find solutions to a great injustice: the lack of medicines for life-threatening diseases that disproportionately impact poor and marginalized people. Driven by collaboration, not competition, and by patients' needs, not profits, we promote equitable access, foster inclusive and sustainable solutions, and advocate for a more effective global biomedical R&D system that meets the needs of neglected patients.
Since our inception, 13 new treatments for people with sleeping sickness, visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, HIV, hepatitis C, and malaria that have saved millions of lives. We aim to deliver a total of 25 new treatments by 2028- addressing R&D gaps for neglected tropical diseases and viral infections, including new pandemic-prone diseases (such as COVID-19) and climate-sensitive diseases (such as dengue) with a focus on the needs of patients in low
- and middle-income countries.
Counting Brazil's Fiocruz as a founding member and numerous collaborations with science and access leaders in Latin American region, DNDi established itself in Rio de Janeiro in 2004. An integral part of DNDi's global network, DNDi Latin America nurtures R&D and access partnerships in the broad region eco-systems, including for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, hepatitis C and dengue, while contributing to DNDi's global strategy. It also undertakes advocacy in support of neglected patients and leads capacity-building projects through multi-country clinical research and drug discovery platforms, including the Chagas Clinical Research Platform and RedeLEISH and the Lead Optimization Latin America (LOLA).
The External Affairs' Communications & Advocacy team develops and implements the global communications and visibility strategy. It aims for DNDi to be seen as a unique, relevant, and impactful project, and visibly supported by powerful champions at the global and regional level, and within influential constituencies.
**Purpose of the position**:
The Communications Manager for DNDi Latin America is responsible for enhancing the organization's visibility in the region and positioning DNDi as a leading partner in research and development and innovation for neglected patients. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing a communications strategy for DNDi in the region, as part of both the broader regional external affairs strategy and the global communications strategy and priorities. Ensure that the LatAm regional perspective and content are seamlessly integrated into global communication strategies and outputs. Also, ensure that LatAm regional outputs align with the global brand and messaging. In collaboration with other teams, this position manages the LATAM communications team to deliver high-quality and effective communications that reflect DNDi's brand, position, and messages, contributing to achieving DNDi's objectives in the region.
The incumbent is a member of the DNDi Latin America extended leadership team, contributing to overall direction of the regional office. This role provides together with the Head of External Affairs, specialized communications support and advice to the Regional Director and other senior managers in public positioning, media relations and other matters that affect DNDi's perception.
**Specific job responsibilities**:
**Communications strategies**
- Develop and implement a communications strategy and communications annual plans for DNDi in the region, using media relations, digital communications (web and social), corporate communications, scientific communications, stakeholder engagement, events, and other communications channels and outputs
- Develop and implement integrated communications plans that support regional objectives, in particular those from R&D and Access, Business Development, Policy & Advocacy, Fundraising
- On behalf of the global communications team, develop and deliver the communications strategy for specific diseases to be assigned in close liaison with R&D teams and DNDi partners; contribute regional elements to communications strategies for other relevant diseases in the region or themes (e.g. drug discovery, gender, climate, etc.)
**Media relations**
- Secure positive coverage of DNDi and DNDi leaders on all forms of traditional and modern media (TV, print, radio, podcasts, influencers, etc.).
- Identifying and creating opportunities for media coverage from external and internal milestones, targeting features, breaking news, and opinion desks
- Mapping health and science reporters throughout Latin America, cultivating close relationships with repor

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